The Nigeria Labour Congress, on Monday, wrote to the leadership of all public sector unions, demanding more information on steps taken to secure payment of the minimum wage arrears earlier approved by the Federal Government.

The letter, signed by the NLC president, Joe Ajaero, was obtained by our correspondent on Monday night.

The wage award is part of a temporary cushion negotiated with labour unions in 2023, aimed at easing the economic burden on workers during the Government’s ongoing economic reforms.

At the time, labour unions had threatened nationwide strikes if their demands for improved compensation and cost-of-living adjustments were not met.

 

While five months of the wage award were previously paid in staggered phases, federal workers had voiced concerns about the delay in completing the remaining tranches.

The Nigerian Labour Congress and the Trade Union Congress have been vocal in their calls for the Government to honour its commitments to workers.

The letter by Ajaero reads, “We bring you warm and fraternal greetings from the national leadership of the Nigeria Labour Congress.

“This serves as a kind but urgent reminder to all public sector unions concerning the unresolved issue of “Arrears of wage award for federal workers” and seeks your continued attention and engagement on this matter until it is resolved.

“You may recall that the leadership of the NLC has been engaging with relevant authorities to ensure that these arrears are fully paid.

“However, we are at a critical juncture where we need to push for a stronger collective action with unified voices to escalate and bring this matter to a conclusive end.

“Consequently, we request an update on steps you have taken, responses received, and any progress made in this regard.

“Kindly make this available to the national secretariat of Congress on or before the last day of this month. This will guide our actions towards a swift resolution.

“We must all work together to compel compliance if federal government fails to meet this demand.

“We count on your usual commitment and passion in this struggle so that our past efforts will not be in vain.”